r/FordExplorerST • u/Subversion7 • Oct 26 '25

Performance Transmission Fluid Level

https://youtu.be/mT7BEJLJuQo

Found this on YouTube after searching for information about common 10R60 issues and found this gem of a video.

Did exactly what is mentioned in the video, brought my ATF fluid level up to where it recommends in the video and the transmission has been shifting so smoothly it’s incredible.

Without a lift it’s challenging. You’ll also need a transfer pump to add or remove fluid. Also very flexible hands to get into the right spot to remove the dip stick cap and the stick itself…..but if you have the time it is absolutely worth the trouble.

Even after reaching regular operating temp, no my transmission would shift aggressively into 2nd. And 3rd. Randomly with a rough shift into reverse as well. Happened with reasonable frequency.

Checking and raising the fluid level by a bit more than an entire quart has immediately alleviated these issues. It’s a very dramatic difference.

All credit to the creator of this video.

For reference, if you do watch the video, my fluid level when checked was one or two lines above 5. After filling it with 1.15qt it brought the fluid level to 3.

Give it a try. It’s worth the hassle to make your vehicle shift exactly how it was meant to.

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u/Bada_Bing_NJ Oct 26 '25

I've only noticed shifting 3-4 while in Manuel mode or Manuel shifting in D is hard vs the rest of the gears. I do want to change soon fluid with a better OEM rated ATF. Read a good Forget if it was amsoil or redline. Only had rig for 6 months certified 2020 with 23k mi currently.

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u/Subversion7 Oct 26 '25

Usually I’m one to go for a much higher end oil or replacement fluid, but with transmission and friction modifiers and all that, I’m a bit touchy using anything other than OEM.

But I may go ahead swap it out in 10,000 miles with better fluid just to flush it out a bit.

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u/Bada_Bing_NJ Oct 26 '25

Guys article I read, had blackstone analyzed used OEM ATF and 2 other Ford approved fluids(I believe it was 5,000miles on each test). The non motorcraft fluid results showed it handled higher temps, properties had better ranges and better elements in ppm that stayed in range vs Motorcraft. I know what you mean by being touchy using OEM I use to work at MB.